Officials brace for expected flooding in Aurora, Guilford and other areas

“It is serious. I can’t be more adamant this is a serious situation”

(AURORA, Ind.) – Dearborn County Water Rescue is one of several agencies preparing for a long weekend.

They have multiple trucks deployed to different areas of the county to respond as fast as possible if a water rescue is needed. 

“The trucks are packed up with everything we need and I believe it is just a matter of time,” said Dearborn County Water Rescue Captain Meghan Keith. 

The Ohio River is continuing to rise and is expected to reach 60 feet for just the second time in 28 years. 

It last happened in 2018 which led to a significant portion of downtown Aurora being underwater, and officials believe it may happen again.

Aurora is not the only concern as areas along the Ohio River in Ohio County and Switzerland County are also bracing for flooding. 

Away from the river, Keith is also concerned about the Guilford and Bonnell area due to Tanners Creek. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the fields by Perfect North Slopes were flooded as well,” Keith said.

Another area of concern is Laughery Creek, such as Cole Lane. 

She added that there are creeks around Southeast Indiana that could produce flooding in their areas.

“It really is hit and miss, we have our usual spots and we have some that will pop up. What really matters is people abiding by city and county orders. This flooding is something to take serious. I don’t want to see anyone get hurt or worse,” she said.  

Dearborn County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Sullivan has been monitoring the conditions for the past several days. Follow the agency here.

Here is a list of roads in Dearborn County that Sullivan thinks could close this weekend. 

Be Aware

Keith added that it is crucial that people do not drive through standing water.

“There is no way to tell what is underneath the water, there could be a log there and it pins your vehicle. It doesn’t take a lot of water to move a car,” she said. 

She also said that if someone needs to evacuate their home but can’t, you can call 9-1-1 and Dearborn County Water Rescue could potentially be dispatched to help. 

“That’s why we have boats and we have the manpower to help people evacuate their homes. Even helping people evacuate is something we are here for,” she said.

The Timing of the Floods

Officials are eying midday Sunday as the height of the flooding, and it would linger into Monday as well.